Check out Vesterheim’s winter bucket list for ideas on how to embrace the spirit of the season!

Whether you’re learning a new skill, or starting a new project in a craft you’re proficient in, the cold winter months are a great time to stay home and make something. The Museum Store has got your supply needs covered and taking one of Vesterheim’s online folk art courses is a great way to get the creative juices flowing.

Cozying up with a good book is a must when the weather is cold. Enjoy some escapism through fiction, or explore other cultures and periods in history. If you are craving some compelling conversation, join a Vesterheim Bokprat.

Winter is a season of rest and hibernation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go on a culinary adventure. Take an online cooking class, or buy that cookbook you’ve been curious about. The Museum Store has cooking and baking supplies to help you make your next Scandinavian treat.

While staying warm and cozy is important, so is getting outside into nature—yes, even when it’s cold outside! In Scandinavian culture, there’s no such thing as bad weather. Bundle up and head outdoors. Even just a stroll through Vesterheim’s Heritage Park is a great way to get some fresh air.

There is a point each winter where the chill, or monotony, or feelings of isolation can make people restless. This is a great time to expand your horizons. Follow your curiosity and learn something new. Check out Vesterheim’s event calendar for upcoming presentations and gallery talks.

The window of time between the New Year and spring is a great opportunity to enjoy the comfort of your own home, but that doesn’t mean we can neglect our need for community! Get some friends together and spend an afternoon exploring a museum or attend an in-person event (like Barneløpet or the upcoming Concert by the OK Factor).

Ultimately, winter is a great time to cultivate some koselig in your life. A Norwegian word most commonly translated to “coziness,” koselig is about the feelings of warmth and comfort that come from being surrounded by loved ones, or in a pleasant and inviting environment. Slowing down and enjoying the simple pleasures of a hot drink or a candlelit dinner; inviting friends over to enjoy that new recipe you’ve been working on, or snuggling up for movie night—these are just a few ways you can embrace koselig this winter. Come to Vesterheim’s Koselig at TG event for inspiration!